World honours are up for grabs this weekend in Cardiff when Joe Cordina and Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov put their undefeated records on the line for the IBF Super Featherweight title. That particular title was was torn from Cordina without him entering the ring.
Former cruiserweight world champion Enzo Maccarinelli spoke exclusively to ProBox TV News to give his thoughts on the matter.
“These things give fighters problems. They win a title and they are hit with all these issues, they end being afraid of slipping over and get the title taken away from them. I’ve seen other fighters get away with it. It really is disgusting. The IBF are normally very good with mandatories and stuff like that, but to take a boy’s title off him is absolutely ridiculous.”
Nonetheless Cordina has been given the chance to win his belt back this Saturday in the Welsh capital.
“It means a lot for the country to have Joe fighting for a world title again.” Maccarinelli continued. “It’s especially good for the young fighters. They get to fight on these big shows and get some exposure. Joe Cordina fighting for a world title and it being on DAZN, means there will be a lot of eyes on it.
“I think Joe will win this on points. But this is going to be really hard, really hard. Rakhimov is a very good fighter. He didn’t show his best against Zelfa Barrett, but Joe has got to keep moving, he can’t just stand there. I’m sure he won’t, but it is going to be a very hard fight."
Maccarinelli and the rest of the country have hopes firmly pinned on Cordina to reclaim his crown, and bring the big nights back to Cardiff.
“It’s very important to boxing in Wales.” He added. “If Cordina wins, he’s a world champion again, there will be more fights in Wales. Big cards on big platforms, everyone is going to get great exposure. It would be nice to see them all earn good money and reach their potential. There are some good fighters in Wales, but they are not getting the recognition they deserve.”